SF Main Library Closes After Person Jumps From Balcony

The San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center was evacuated and temporarily closed Thursday afternoon after a person jumped from one of the balconies into the lobby atrium, possibly in a suicide attempt.

The incident happened at 3:43 p.m. according to CBS 5, and the person was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The library was then closed for the remainder of the day while the incident was under investigation.

As the SFPD's Public Information Officer Grace Gatpandan tells the Examiner, regarding where the person was in the library, "It sounds like they were inside, I don’t know how high up." The highest balcony in the library is four stories above the atrium lobby.

An SFist tipster says this is the first time that such an incident has occurred in the library's history, since its completion in 1996.

If you are in crisis, text "BAY" to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential crisis support from Crisis Text Line. And if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you or they should call the San Francisco Suicide Prevention crisis line at 415-781-0500.

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.